Advice from the UPS man about colds and the immune system
Yesterday, the UPS man and I got to talking as he delivered a surprise box with treats from my parents. He asked me what I did and I told him I was naturopathic doctor.
He definitely thought natural was better and shared foods and herbs he’d learned could be health-promoting after a few family members had been diagnosed with cancer. While some things were a bit sketch, he did have one spot-on piece of advice.
With the leaves changing color and a slight chill in the air, you will see a lot of information about preventing colds and flus.
But, I like to think of cold and flu season more in the vein of “let’s take measures to make sure we have a robust and appropriate immune response” (I know, sounds catchy, right?!)
Because the one thing the UPS man had very right is that:
The immune system needs to be trained in order to know how to respond. This happens by fighting off a cold once or twice a year.
Let’s break it down.
What is an appropriate immune response?
1 cold in the season that does not last longer than 5-10 days.
Mild fever, moderate body aches, runny nose, headache, congestion, sore throat or any combination of those.
Complete resolution of symptoms after about a week (give or take a few days)
What may be signs of a not-up-to-par immune response?
Colds that linger. You feel crappy a couple of days, then better, then cycle into another cold.
Colds that escalate to being serious...bacterial pneumonia, shortness of breath, etc.
Never getting sick or when you do get sick it can take 4+ weeks to feel better.
I know feeling sick is no walk in the park. What can we do to help tonify our systems, so that we mount an efficient and effective response?
Stay well hydrated.
Bulk up on anti-inflammatory foods especially turmeric, ginger, and garlic.
Stay away from antibacterial soaps and hand sanitizers, but wash your hands regularly (Dr. Bronner’s is my favorite soap)
Eat your colors, especially green and yellow/orange: dark leafy greens are full of phytonutrients and anything with a yellow hue (squash, sweet potatoes, carrots) is high in beta carotene and helps immunity.
And if you do get a cold, rest, drink lots of water, tea and broth and let it pass. Your immune system is getting a workout.
Of course, how to proceed during a cold and taking precaution for further intervention should be done with a trusted healthcare practitioner.
I just want to plant the seed that a healthy immune system is not one that never gets sick. It’s one that gets sick efficiently and effectively once a year or so.
Now, go make some ginger tea!
Antonella
